[ayso45-refs] (no subject)

[Robert L Henderson]

Region 45 Referees,   I just sent an email to the Coaches list about dissent
and criticism of the Referees during a game.  The mail read in part ...

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There has been a couple of incidents over the past few weeks, in which a
Coach, during the course of a match, has loudly and repeatedly expressed
criticism of the Referee's performance.

Please remember that all of us are volunteers, Coaches and Referees alike.
Many, especially in the younger age divisions are refereeing for the first
time.  We are all out there on our Saturday to support the kids and insure
that they have a safe, fair and fun game experience.   Criticism is dissent
at its worse and has no place in the game of Soccer, and it certainly is not
in accordance with the principles of AYSO.  It is not tolerated in this
Region.
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I included the following paragraph ... 

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If and only if you have a real concern about the safety of the players in a
match, should you politely and in private request to discuss the safety
issue with the Referee at half time or following that match.   Express your
concern about what may be dangerous and work in a positive fashion to reach
an understanding with the Referee.   In this case, most Referees welcome the
input as they too are parents.
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and I concluded with ...

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Referees are instructed to deal with dissent by anyone on or near the field.
It is with in their authority to suspend a match and/or dismiss a Coach from
the field if the dissent continues during a game.   Improper conduct by the
coaches will be reported to the Regional Board.
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I ask two things of each of you refereeing:

1.  If you are having a problem, work with the Coach in a polite but firm
"one to one" manner to prevent it from reaching the point where you have to
deal with it publicly.  Do your best to keep cool and keep the situation
under control. 

2.  Whenever you have on the uniform,  act in a professional manner and do
your job as a referee to the best of your ability every game.  Then a Coach
will not have any reason to question your performance.   Keep the game SAFE
and FAIR.

Its for the Kids.

 Bob Henderson
Starships piloted, 
  dragons slain, 
    soccer refereed